Sam Darnold made his season debut during yesterday’s win over the Broncos, serving as the third different option under center for the Panthers in 2022. His tenure back in the No. 1 role will not be a one-off, however. 
Interim head coach Steve Wilks said on Sunday that Darnold will get the nod once again in Week 14 when Carolina plays Seattle following their bye. The announcement comes after Wilks had indicated his intention to have him see game action in 2022, which was confirmed with the Week 12 start. The team’s No. 1 option for most of last season, Darnold was long seen as a replacement candidate this past offseason.
To little surprise, the team brought in Baker Mayfield from the Browns through a trade the team had been eyeing well before it was consummated in July. It was the former No. 1 overall pick who won out Carolina’s training camp competition, but he struggled mightily before going down with a high ankle sprain. With Darnold having suffered the same injury in the preseason and being unavailable, Carolina turned to P.J. Walker as their starter for a stretch.
Mayfield was thrust back into the No. 1 role during Week 11, a 13-3 loss to the Ravens during which he threw a pair of late interceptions. Darnold’s return to health allowed him to guide the team’s offense yesterday, though, and help lead them to a 23-10 win. The USC product competed just 11 passes for 164 yards and one touchdown, but generated a passer rating of 103.8 and will have the opportunity to build on that performance this week.
With both Darnold and fellow 2018 draftee Mayfield pending free agents, the closing weeks of the season will be highly important for both of them from a financial perspective. Solid performances from the former could help erase the struggles of the past in Charlotte (and help earn him at least consideration for a deal to compete with injured rookie Matt Corral for a 2023 roster spot), which could also have an effect on the sidelines. With Wilks reportedly making a case to remain the team’s permanent HC, plenty will be at stake as the calendar flips to December despite the Panthers’ 4-8 record.
In that division, that record still puts them in the hunt. About 6 years ago, they made it to the playoffs with Cam by winning the division with a record of 7-8-1, I believe.
True, but if they’re smart they’re more worried about next season than this. Everyone is auditioning, including the head coach. Makes perfect sense to see what Darnold can do at this point.
How many years do you give Darnold to see what he can do? He’s never had even a decent season. Mayfield has had a few decent seasons with Cleveland and yet I think everyone has seen enough of him to know he’s not a starter in the NFL. Neither is Darnold
Baker’s body has fallen apart
He’s just not a good quarterback. Nobody for Carolina is
Darnold has not had a great supporting cast, so it’s hard to say. It’s 20-20 hindsight but at the time I wanted the Jets to either pick Sewell or trade down instead of taking a QB at #2. Once they traded Darnold it was clear what the plan was. I do like that the second rounder they received from the Panthers was traded up to pick Breece Hall because he’s going to be a star when he is healthy. I thought Darnold could succeed in situation with more protection like Ekwonu, and more weapons, like a healthy McCaffrey. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out with McCaffrey but he still can get an opportunity to do what Geno Smith did.
Darnold never had a chance with the Jets. No offensive line or weapons, crazy coach, and the pressure of being subjected to the NY press.
Next exhibit: Zach Wilson. Except he had an offensive line and RB for a portion of the year, along with wide outs. If Darnold had that support system, I think he’d have performed better. And agreed, Sewell should’ve been the pick.
He had weapons in Carolina. Darnold is nothing but a backup. He’s never made any progress. Joe Burrow didn’t have a line (still doesn’t) and he’s a top 5 quarterback.
That ugly season was 2014. Panthers won a Week 17 grudge game in Atlanta to keep the Falcons out.
If the season ended right now, they’d be out of range for Young or Stroud. I’m not sure any of their QBs particularly gives them a better chance to win than the others, but winning might make them a less desirable destination for coaching candidates.
I think hesitancy on the part of coaching candidates would center more around Tepper. He seems to change his goals and plans monthly being both erratic and impatient. You could easily find yourself being a fall guy with an owner like this if positive results don’t occur quickly.
Agreed completely. They have a lot of talent on the offensive line, defense, and at least one very good receiver, plus a high pick for a QB and a winnable division, but Tepper might be reason enough to steer clear.
Where does baker backup next season? That will be interesting.
Colts or Bucs are teams in need of a qb.
not sure of eithers interest in Baker tho
Colts didn’t want him last year and after his terrible play, I can’t assume they changed their mind. Irsay has a problem with mediocre quarterbacks
they didn’t find him worthy of 20 mil + picks.
Baker is going to get around 6.5 mil or less as a free agent.
he will be a plan-C for many teams once again.
Actually, the Colts gave up more and are paying more for Ryan. The talk was they didn’t like his immaturity. I’m guessing that hasn’t changed. As for your assessment, Carolina got Mayfield for a 5th and only 5 million. Much cheaper than what Ryan cost. There’s no way Irsay wants Mayfield. I don’t know if the Colts can get out of Ryan’s salary or not but if they can, I look for the Colts to try and get a bona-fide starter next year. Rodgers, Carr, Lamar Jackson, Garapollo. The Colts have a talented roster and Irsay is tired of mediocre quarterback play
I’ll take an L on this convo..
just like the Colts took an L on Matt Ryan.
Next up for Carolina: Zach Wilson.
this made me lol
Baker will turn out OK. He will get another starting job. There are not 32 better qbs in the league than him. Baker is tough and took the Browns to the playoffs. He got a raw deal there after last season.
Panthers are dysfunctional.
Panthers actually have a pretty good roster especially in that division.
QB play has been the main issue, and that definitely includes Baker